§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the Catholic Social Services (Liverpool) concerning the current financial situation in the city; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received representations from Catholic Social Services (Liverpool). In his reply he expressed concern for the many children and handicapped people who rely on it and other voluntary agencies in Liverpool and condemned the impact of the behaviour of the Liverpool city council on the partnership which should exist between such agencies and the local statutory services. He also referred510W to the meeting representatives of voluntary organisations in Liverpool had last week, with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, at which they explained the effect on them of the city council's actions. We are watching the position closely.